Grandfamilies are families headed by grandparents and other relatives who share their homes with their grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and/or other related children. About 7.8 million children across the country live in households headed by grandparents or other relatives. About 2.7 million grandparents report they responsible for their grandchildren's needs. In about a third of these homes neither of the children's parents are in the home.

Generations United's National Center on Grandfamilies works to enact policies and promote programs to help grandfamilies address challenges. Despite facing many barriers, research shows that the children in grandfamilies thrive. Caregivers also experience benefits like an increased sense of purpose in life.

On Sept. 29, President Obama signed the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act (H.R. 4980) into law. The new legislation includes key provisions that help Grandfamilies by empowering youth and caregiver voices, prioritizing relative care and promoting permanency. Learn more